Hadith #1047

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

كَمْ مِنْ مُؤَمِّل ما لا يُدْرِكُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Many a person hopes for what he never achieves.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the reality that many individuals have aspirations and dreams that they may never be able to fulfill.

To fully understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (mu'mil) "مُؤَمِّل" refers to someone who has hopes, expectations, or desires. It signifies the human tendency to have aspirations and to strive for something better. The word (yudrikuhu) "يُدْرِكُهُ" means to attain, achieve, or reach something. It implies the realization of one's hopes or desires.

This Hadith resonates with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of striving for righteousness and the consequences of one's actions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the need for seeking Allah's guidance and support in our endeavors, as it is only through His help that we can achieve our goals.

Furthermore, the Quran reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286),

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reassures us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) knows our capabilities and limitations. It teaches us to have realistic expectations and to strive for what is within our reach.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their aspirations and to set realistic goals. It encourages us to work hard and put in the effort to achieve our dreams, but at the same time, it cautions against becoming consumed by unrealistic expectations that may lead to disappointment and despair.

For example, a person may aspire to become a successful entrepreneur and accumulate great wealth. While it is commendable to have such ambitions, it is important to recognize that success is not guaranteed, and there are various factors beyond our control. Therefore, it is crucial to have a balanced approach and to focus on the journey rather than solely fixating on the end result.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wise utterance also highlights the importance of contentment and gratitude. It reminds us to appreciate the blessings we have already received and to be grateful for what we have accomplished, rather than constantly yearning for more. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of gratitude and contentment.

In Surah An-Nahl (16:18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And if you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse reminds us of the countless blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and it encourages us to reflect upon and appreciate His favors.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Many a person hopes for what he never achieves,

serves as a reminder for Muslims to have realistic expectations and to be content with what they have. It encourages us to strive for our goals while recognizing our limitations and relying on Allah's guidance and support. By adopting a balanced approach and cultivating gratitude, we can find fulfillment and contentment in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives.